Full Answer
How to fix a shower faucet that won’t hold?
But if the diverter stem is making your shower faucet faulty, you have to fix the third handle. Remove the diverter valve and replace a new one by following these steps.
Can you replace a double handle shower faucet with a single handle?
It is also to find these types of cartridges in double-handle shower faucets. This are usually replaced not so long ago. You can replace old 2 or 3-handle faucets with a single-lever faucet. That will however involve cutting off a section of the bathroom wall and replacing the shower valve as well.
How to replace shower faucet cartridge?
So, use a screwdriver and remove the clips holding the cartridge case but be careful not to cut the pipe. Take a plier and gently pull the cartridge out. If you already have a new cartridge insert it at the place but make sure it is compatible with your shower faucet.
How do I replace a shower valve?
To replace a shower valve, start by unscrewing the shower handle and trim plate, so you can remove them. Then, shut the water off and cut a hole in the small opening behind the trim plate, so you can reach the valve. Using needlenose pliers, remove the valve clip and pull the valve out of the wall. From here, you can insert your new valve ...
Why is my shower not working?
What is a single handle faucet?
What is a stem in a shower?
What is a multifunctional 3 handle faucet?
How to fix a temperature stem?
How to Change an Old Shower Faucet | Home Guides | SF Gate
How to Change an Old Shower Faucet. Walk through the plumbing section of your local home center, and you'll see a wide variety of shower faucets. These faucets come in three basic styles: single ...
How to Replace a Shower Faucet - The Home Depot
Learn how to replace a shower faucet in just a few steps. This guide will teach you basic instructions, whether replacing a shower faucet due to damage or excessive leaking, or simply upgrading to a new shower head.
Remove Old Trim
When replacing a shower faucet, take off the shower head by turning the connecting nut counterclockwise with a pair of pliers.
Remove Old Valve and Choose New Valve
To put in a new shower valve, you’ll first need to remove the old one from inside your shower.
Sweat the Pipes
To connect to the valve, attach female adapters to the ends of the copper pipe. To ensure a leak-free connection, fittings should be soldered using a torch and lead-free solder. This process is also called sweating the pipes.
Assemble the New Valve Section
Make sure you purchase the correct valve for the faucet you’re planning to install in your shower. It should have two inlet channels for the hot and cold water, and two outlet channels for the tub spout and shower head. Each of these fittings connects to your pipe either through male threads on the outside or female solder ports on the inside.
Install a Stringer and Test for Leaks
The new valve must be set to the correct depth in the wall for the faucet to install properly. It should account for the thickness of the drywall, as well as the tile or shower enclosure on your walls. Most valves come with instructions or a guide to help you get the dimensions right.
Install the Cartridge
Each shower faucet will have specific installation instructions, so follow the directions in your owner’s manual. Some valves come with a cartridge already installed. If yours does, you can skip this step. Other manufacturers include the cartridge as part of the faucet you purchase, and it needs to be installed into the valve first.
Install the Tub Spout
To install the tub spout, solder the enclosed adapter to the outlet pipe.
What to do if shower valve is damaged?
If your shower valve is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it to prevent leaks. Removing your old valve and installing a new one can take time, but with patience, a novice handyman can do it without the help of a plumber.
What to do if you can't find water stops for shower?
Turn off the water supply to the entire house if you cannot find the water stops for your shower.
How to get a valve out of a wall?
Use pliers to pull the valve out of the wall. Grip the metal end of the valve cartridge firmly and pull the valve back and out of the wall. If it gets stuck at any point, wiggle it as you go to dislodge it. After you take it out of the wall, set it aside or discard it to keep it out of the way.
Why won't my valve cartridge slide into the wall?
If your valve cartridge will not slide into the wall or seems too small for the slot, you may have bought the wrong size. Double-check the valve size and model to make sure it matches your old cartridge.
How to remove a valve set?
Some valve sets are secured with a retainer nut that holds them in place. To remove the nut, hold the valve while you unscrew the nut with a wrench. You can then proceed with removing your valve.
What is a shower trim plate?
Shower trim plates are usually known as Escutcheon trim plates, in case you need to ask a home repair professional about your specific model.
What to do if there is no water shut off valve?
If there are no shutoff valves behind the wall, you will need to locate and turn off water to the entire home and then open a fixture to relieve the pressure and drain the water.
How to identify the manufacturer of a shower faucet?
You can either take it with you to the nearest home improvement store and ask there or you can use a faucet identification chart.
How to identify a shower faucet?
To identify a shower faucet, look for the manufacturer’s brand name, logo or initials on the faucet face, on the handle or on the escutcheon. If you don’t find anything, remove the faucet stem/cartridge and use a faucet identification chart or take it with you to the nearest home improvement store.
What is the stem on a shower faucet?
A shower faucet stem is the part connected to the handle that turns left or right inside the shower valve to turn the water on or off. Also, depending on the type of shower valve you have, the stem/cartridge is also used to select water temperature (cold or hot).
How many types of shower faucet stems are there?
There are 4 main types of shower faucet stems/cartridges. These are:
What is the most common shower faucet brand?
The most common brands are Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard, Pfister, Glacier Bay, Peerless, Kraus, Grohe and Danco. Finding replacement parts for the less common brands is sometimes difficult.
How many flat edges does a shower cartridge have?
On the other hand, a cartridge has 2 flat edges. Removing a shower stem and cartridge is quite different as we are going to see below.
What to do if there is nothing on the faucet handle?
If there is nothing on the faucet handle or escutcheon to indicate what type of faucet you have, you will need to remove the stem/cartridge. This is also what you should do if you suspect that the faucet handle is an aftermarket part that you can’t trust.
Why is my shower not working?
Most of the problems of the shower arise from malfunctioning valves or handles. When any part of the handle is old enough or damaged, it may not work and control of the flow of water is lost. Majorly, there are three types of faucets available in the market, so, before starting replacement must check which type of faucet you have.
What is a single handle faucet?
Single handle faucet. In single-handle faucets, the valve cartridge is the main root of problems. The valve cartridge is a cylindrical device that uses an O-ring to control the flow of water. When you have to replace a single handle faucet, locate and pull the set screw that must be present in front of the unit.
What is a stem in a shower?
In the double handle faucet, stems are the main controllers of water. These stems are connected to the handles and have rubber seals to properly control the flow of water. Any malfunction in the shower faucet may come from stems and it is the easiest way to fix the problem.
What is a multifunctional 3 handle faucet?
Multifunctional three handle faucet. If you have three handle faucets, it must be performing multifunction like temperature regulation and diversions. Temperature stems are separate handles for cold and hot water while the third handle is the diverter stem.
How to fix a temperature stem?
If the problem is with temperature stems, you can simply fix it the same way as of two-handle faucet. You have to remove the handle and screws and turn the stems and turn counterclockwise. You can also apply Teflon tape at the base to make a proper seal and reassemble the unit.
